Journal | Michelle Austen | Calgary Artist

Nov 122 min read

It Takes a Village...

As the festive season comes upon us, I think of all that have collected those little village houses, and every year they light them up...

Jun 62 min read

Embracing the Journey: A Tale of Redoing and Renewal of Artwork

My art classes just wrapped up today for the summer. I am enjoying the sunshine on my deck with a cup of tea reflecting about how hard my...

May 162 min read

Replenishing Creative Resources

Sharing my ideas for replenishing creative resources when the well runs dry… Have you ever had moments that you have studio time but your...

May 22 min read

Blooming Hope and Connecting the Pieces.

I love it when things come full circle and the pieces seem to effortlessly fit in place. This past weekend was a perfect example of this....

Apr 92 min read

Connect - Collaborate - Celebrate

Connecting with nature and expressing it through art is what I love to do. Sharing it with you is a gift. A time to celebrate things...

Mar 292 min read

What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?

Through deep reflection I have learned that it is when I am unable to paint. Full stop! There are many common barriers that all...

Mar 212 min read

Exploring Mexico and the Cerro Pelon Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary.

It’s been just over two years since a friend and I travelled two hours north of Mexico City to the small farming village of Macheros to...

Mar 151 min read

How long does it take you to create a painting?

As most artists would agree, it is a thought provoking question. My most accurate answer to date is 55 years. I am convinced I was born...

Mar 71 min read

Why this blog...

I am a visual artist sharing my love of art and story telling with art lovers, art collectors, art students and community of creative...

Feb 222 min read

Hello and Let me reintroduce myself….

I am Michelle Austen. I am an Artist, living in Calgary, AB, Canada. I am inspired by my imagination, flowers, nature, travel and all...

Sep 3, 20233 min read

Creating Memories and Magic Moments. Summer Art Camp 2023

10 years ago, I had an idea to gather groups of budding artists and host a summer art camp to do all the things I loved to do as a child....

Jun 8, 20234 min read

Wanderlust and art in Spain,

Wanderlust and art in Spain, A few years back, I attended fellow artists show, John Lennard, at Masters Gallery in Calgary, AB. I deeply...

Jun 22, 20192 min read

Bearspaw School Mural Project

Nothing keeps an artist more present than 600+ students, staff and volunteers collaborating to create a 6 x 12 ft mural… Just say YES and...

Jul 31, 20172 min read

Value of Silence- Summer Art Camp reflections.

Silence gives answers ~ Rumi Reflecting on my 5th annual summer art camp where I had the joy of spending a creative week with a group of...

Jul 3, 20173 min read

Wow! She went brave!

“Trust that little voice in your head that says “Wouldn’t it be interesting if…” And then do it.” ~Duane Michals The idea of having an...

Aug 4, 20163 min read

Independent Spirit- Summer Art Camp 2016

“We teach what we most need to learn” ~ Richard Bach The purpose of my art camp is for the students to feel what it is like to be an...

Feb 1, 20163 min read

Energy Exchange

“To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”~Buddha If you have been...

Aug 21, 20153 min read

Courageous, Confident or Just Plain Crazy!..Driving tips for Ireland from a Canadian Girl

“If you believe you can-YOU WILL!” Upon returning safely from a 3 week trip to Ireland, I thought I would share a few driving tips. Being...

Jul 22, 20153 min read

Confetti Trees, Color and Creativity

“I think this is how we are supposed to be in the world-Present and in Awe.” ~Anne Lamott Encaustic Confetti Tree Summer Camp 2015 Last...

Jul 6, 20152 min read

I am not the Bionic Women

“A Break from technology can help us to feel human again. And I am pretty sure there’s still no App for that.”~ Micheal J. Chase. Morning...

MICHELLE'S JOURNAL